1874

Welcome to the first Teachable Timeline unit! The goal of Teachable Timelines is to take a closer look at what was going on around the world at one specific point or time in history. We’re going to look at the life of Winston Churchill and the world he was born into in 1874.

He was born to prestigious parents, the son of Lord Randolph Churchill and Jennie Jerome, daughter of a wealthy New Yorker. His early academic record was not notable in any way. His career as a soldier and a journalist gained him some attention. After he entered politics, he gained still more attention for his careful and eloquent speeches. And it was this gift of speechmaking that would help endear him to the hearts of his English countrymen during the terrible days of World War II. It is from this time that we find his speech to the House of Commons that has come to be known as “We Shall Fight on the Beaches.” An excerpt of this speech, given on June 4, 1940, after the successful evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk, is today’s printable copywork. The printable contains print, cursive, and manuscript lettering.

Churchill copywork3 BBAD

We Shall Fight on the Beaches—Winston Churchill Copywork

Here are some English-themed coloring sheets as well as a round-up of activities and worksheets you can do with your children to bring 1874 and history to life!

Big Ben and Double Decker Bus Coloring Sheet

The Union Jack Coloring Sheet

In 1874…

Queen Isabella’s son is proclaimed King of Spain as Alfonso XII.

Papel Picado craft

Fun Facts About Spain

Louis Comfort Tiffany, creator of countless elegant glass objects, opens a factory.

Necklace with Pendant designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany (image to view)

Magnolias and Irises, glass window designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany (image to view)

Tiffany and Iridescence Experiment for Older Students

The first exhibition of Impressionist paintings is held in Paris. The movement takes its name from an 1872 painting by Monet.

Fun art lesson on Monet and Impressionism

Andrew T. Still establishes osteopathy, a branch of medicine that stresses the importance of healthy bones and muscles to one’s overall health.

Skeleton worksheet and activity

Boundary between Bolivia and Chile is fixed at 24° latitude.

Flags of Bolivia and Chile coloring sheets

Chaim Weizmann, first President of Israel, is born.

Timeline activity

Also born this year in history:

Herbert Hoover, President of the United States

G. K. Chesterton, English author

Robert Frost, American poet

Ernest Shackleton, British explorer

Guglielmo Marconi, Italian physicist